We often write about how to make your travels greener, but even if you do everything to reduce your carbon footprint, are you still getting a dose of the bigger world while on your expeditions? It's one thing to tour green hotspots in cities like London, and another to really see the world in a green way.

That's where Reality Tours from Global Exchange comes in.

What Are Reality Tours?

Reality Tours links travelers up with activists and organizations from around the world who are working toward positive change. Through this exchange, the traveler becomes connected with the places they're visiting in a brand new way, and bring home more than just souvenirs.

With trips to over 30 countries in Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East, you're sure to find a destination you've been eager to visit in the first place, and now you'll get to see it from an inspiring new vantage point.

Find A Tour Based on Issues You Care About

You can search for tours based on issues that are closest to your heart. For instance, there are over a dozen tours scheduled for 2010 that deal with Fair Trade, including ecotourism and sustainability on the Caribbean coast, and a fair trade olive harvest in Israel.

Regardless of your current background knowledge of the issues, you're welcomed on the tour, acting as a citizen ambassador, and hopefully learning many things that you can bring home and implement in your own community.

Don't Forget to Make Your Reality Tour Green

The reality tours themselves are amazing ways to become more aware of environmental issues globally, but that doesn't mean you can skimp on the green measures when making your travel plans. Here are tips to give you the perfect vacation:

How to Go Green: Travel & Outdoors
Make 2009 the Year of Green Travel
5 Easy Eco Travel Tips That Make a Difference
Nokia's New Website Helps Globetrotters Travel Green
How To Green Your Travel Abroad Routine